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Rogue Angel #9
Warrior Spirit
A priceless artifact could restore a family's honor - or destroy everything in its wake.
While vacationing in Tokyo, archaeologist Annja Creed is approached by a man who desperately needs her help. Kennichi Ogawa, the last descendant of an ancient warrior family, is trying to locate a stolen artifact. Legend has it that the vajra was mystically endowed by a warrior's spirit to help the Yumegakure-ryu family forever be a source for good. But the vajra could help the forces of evil if it gets into the wrong hands. And now the bloodthirsty Yakuza and a group of hired ninja are after it.
As Annja and Kennichi trek through the fog-enshrouded mountains of the Iga province to find the relic, they must also outsmart the vicious Yakuza and ninja who are dangerously close to uncovering the vajra first...and to destroying their competition.
While vacationing in Tokyo, archaeologist Annja Creed is approached by a man who desperately needs her help. Kennichi Ogawa, the last descendant of an ancient warrior family, is trying to locate a stolen artifact. Legend has it that the vajra was mystically endowed by a warrior's spirit to help the Yumegakure-ryu family forever be a source for good. But the vajra could help the forces of evil if it gets into the wrong hands. And now the bloodthirsty Yakuza and a group of hired ninja are after it.
As Annja and Kennichi trek through the fog-enshrouded mountains of the Iga province to find the relic, they must also outsmart the vicious Yakuza and ninja who are dangerously close to uncovering the vajra first...and to destroying their competition.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 2007
10 people are currently reading
593 people want to read
About the author
Alex Archer
99 books236 followersA house name for the Rogue Angel series, published by the Harlequin Publishing's Gold Eagle division.
The first eight novels were written by Victor Milan and Mel Odom. New writers joining the series starting with book nine include Jon Merz and Joseph Nassise.
The first eight novels were written by Victor Milan and Mel Odom. New writers joining the series starting with book nine include Jon Merz and Joseph Nassise.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 5, 2010
With the ninth book in this series, you can absolutely tell the difference of who wrote these books. The first 8 were written by a writers tandem, and they used the Joan of Arc sword extensively in their story line. Now, with this book, it was secondary to the story between Annja and Kennichi Owaga and his search for a family heirlom that has been missing for centuries. I found this book tedious and boring at times, and the ending was as expected. The only interesting part was Annya's inability to pull the sword when she thought she was in danger. I, of course, could have done without seeing Garin in the story. I definitely want to see an end to his constant interferrence in Annya's life. Others, however, might disagree with me, and that is truly ok. His appearance in this book wasn't necessary to the grand scheme of the story. The vayra was the story. Those chasing Ken and Annya was the story. I would seriously love to know who actually wrote this particular book, and tell them to read the first 8 again, before continuning the series. However, that is not likely as we are now into 30 books of this series.
May 27, 2012
You can definitely tell that this story was done by a new author. I'm not saying that it was bad, it was just totally different than any of the other Rogue Angel books. There was a lot more talking in this one and a lot less action. I liked it personally because you got to see Annja as more of a person with feelings and emotions instead of a hard ass. I like Ken and I wish that Annja could have a relationship with someone other than Garin and Roux. Garin was in this one but he was a complete ass like usual. I liked the setting of Japan it was very interesting to learn about some of their cultures especially about the ninjas. All in all a good installment that will leave you wanting to read the next one.
March 10, 2018
3.75 stars for this one. Listened to this on audio book and I have to say I absolutely loved graphic audio with sounds, gun shots, waterfall sounds etc.
It reminds me of the cassettes I used to listen to as a child. This one is action packed and fast-paced. Definitely going to continue listening to all the books in the series (currently we are at #58 I think)! Way to go!
It reminds me of the cassettes I used to listen to as a child. This one is action packed and fast-paced. Definitely going to continue listening to all the books in the series (currently we are at #58 I think)! Way to go!
August 8, 2018
Starting off, let me say that I am a big fan of this series and was deeply disappointed when Gold Eagle discontinued it. Having read a lot of the later books, I'm going back and reading the earlier entries, most of them for the first time. That established, I was a little disappointed by Warrior Spirit, but nothing I can really put my finger on.
The story is pretty straightforward. Annja meets a Japanese gentleman named Kenneth and not entirely by accident on his part. Turns out Kenneth is a ninja and he needs Annja's help in retrieving a centuries old object that is rumored to possess incredible powers. Naturally there is another party that seeks the object for nefarious means and the Yakuza is also involved.
The entire book takes place in Japan, where Annja is vacationing, and there is plenty of action, including a squad of Japanese schoolgirls turned hit persons (to be politically correct).
I did go through the book rather quickly. But for some reason it just didn't have the same magic as most of the other Rogue Angel novels. But it is recommended for someone who likes the series or just wants a quick diversion between other endeavours.
The story is pretty straightforward. Annja meets a Japanese gentleman named Kenneth and not entirely by accident on his part. Turns out Kenneth is a ninja and he needs Annja's help in retrieving a centuries old object that is rumored to possess incredible powers. Naturally there is another party that seeks the object for nefarious means and the Yakuza is also involved.
The entire book takes place in Japan, where Annja is vacationing, and there is plenty of action, including a squad of Japanese schoolgirls turned hit persons (to be politically correct).
I did go through the book rather quickly. But for some reason it just didn't have the same magic as most of the other Rogue Angel novels. But it is recommended for someone who likes the series or just wants a quick diversion between other endeavours.
June 24, 2018
Warrior Spirit (Rogue Angel, #9)
by Alex Archer Jon Merz
Looking into Japanese mythology Annja Creed finds adventure looking for a magical treasure. She gets to learn new skills, find new partners, and learns that she is not alone with the responsibility that she has been challenged with. Jon Merz has only one glitch with me, he proposes a toast in a foreign language and never translates it. It gets frustrating not knowing what they are saying, enough that i asked other readers of the book if i missed something. I recommend the series but more based on the remarkable versions by Victor Milan, but if you want more, go for all the books.
by Alex Archer Jon Merz
Looking into Japanese mythology Annja Creed finds adventure looking for a magical treasure. She gets to learn new skills, find new partners, and learns that she is not alone with the responsibility that she has been challenged with. Jon Merz has only one glitch with me, he proposes a toast in a foreign language and never translates it. It gets frustrating not knowing what they are saying, enough that i asked other readers of the book if i missed something. I recommend the series but more based on the remarkable versions by Victor Milan, but if you want more, go for all the books.
September 18, 2023
Annja suddenly lost skills she had the previous 8 books. She and Garin also spoke and thought differently than in previous books. Like imposters took them over.
There was also no reason for her to go along on this artifact hunt- the guy didn't need her at all, so I'm not sure how this book even exists...
Would have been ok if it was the first in a series, I suppose, but as 9th... It was clear this was a different author who either didn't read the other books or didn't care he was dumbing down the character and making her act strangely.
Disappointing.
There was also no reason for her to go along on this artifact hunt- the guy didn't need her at all, so I'm not sure how this book even exists...
Would have been ok if it was the first in a series, I suppose, but as 9th... It was clear this was a different author who either didn't read the other books or didn't care he was dumbing down the character and making her act strangely.
Disappointing.
January 15, 2023
Among the better ones written by a non-Mel author. The history aspect is not heavy, but the male counterpart is easily the most likable we’ve had thus far.
The villains are interesting and their relationship dynamic leads to a very satisfying moment during the final showdown.
Ultimately, I like this one quite a bit despite the lack of historical facts involved.
The villains are interesting and their relationship dynamic leads to a very satisfying moment during the final showdown.
Ultimately, I like this one quite a bit despite the lack of historical facts involved.
July 14, 2017
Another great book in the series. I love all the action and adventure. I look forward to reading all of these books. Each one so far has its own story with interesting characters. I like the history of each artifact and how each character deals with how to use the power.
May 18, 2018
I love books with tough heroines and it doesn't get any tougher than this. Annja Creed is a martial arts expert and can handle herself in any situation. When asked to find a relic, she treks through the mountains and is ready for danger.
June 26, 2019
An ok book. I didn't like the way Annja relied too much upon Kennichi. In the past, she has always been able to do most of it on her own even if she has a guy around. I just didn't like the damsel in distress with her.
July 16, 2019
3.5 stars.
SPOILER AHEAD!!!
Finally, we have a story where the guy adventuring with Annja doesn't die! And Garin continues being such an enigma so that I always looked forward to seeing what he'll do next!
SPOILER AHEAD!!!
Finally, we have a story where the guy adventuring with Annja doesn't die! And Garin continues being such an enigma so that I always looked forward to seeing what he'll do next!
September 29, 2021
Basically the same as the first 8 books in the series, but I didn't enjoy this one quite as much. It seemed unusually preachy. I found myself skimming several pages at a time to get past the soliloquy.
April 13, 2018
now a voyage to toyko, and an family relic
May 12, 2019
Always a fun ride with great characters.
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
October 19, 2021
A fun addition to the series taking place in Japan and dealing with an ancient ninja family. Interesting bad guy, suave male romantic, and a somewhat confusing artifact with great imagery.
April 20, 2013
As I've mentioned before, if I were to read this series one book right after the other I would probably become bored. However, I spread them out so I think I find more enjoyment from the tales. In this, the ninth book in the series had me scratching my head. Several times throughout the story Annja is tweaking over whether she is able to touch her sword and still grasp it. I found this to be extremely annoying! For goodness sakes -- this is the NINTH book we're into and this character is acting like she just came into possession of the sword. Later in the story, it gives somewhat of an explanation as to why the author/authors felt the need to harp on that in the lead up, but really, it was SO unnecessary. Beyond that pet peeve and one or two other mild annoyances, I enjoyed the book. Prior books had been PG rating at most, but in this it is taken up to almost R rating. In case you are wondering if this is OK for a younger audience I would read first then decide whether your younger reader is "old enough".
Travel throughout Japan, Japanese customs and history (to a point, this is fiction), Samurai and Ninja among other factions, adventure, mystery, mysticism, monks, warriors, sword fighting and martial arts, good vs. evil, self discovery, waterfall, caves a mythical creature and one deadly dangerous group of school girls.
Travel throughout Japan, Japanese customs and history (to a point, this is fiction), Samurai and Ninja among other factions, adventure, mystery, mysticism, monks, warriors, sword fighting and martial arts, good vs. evil, self discovery, waterfall, caves a mythical creature and one deadly dangerous group of school girls.
June 25, 2011
I read on another review that these books are actually written by various authors under the same name. This tends to explain the lack of continuity between books and the varying degree of action, "romance", history, and archaeology ranging throughout the books.
It's also one of the biggest reasons I can come up with to explain why this book was so pathetic. I wanted to like it because I love the Japanese and its culture, but the villain was annoying (and somewhat predictable), the co-star seemed to become the star, the star was completely out of her element/profession (she's an archaeologist, not a treasure hunter), and the known character of Garin was completely different in character.
The only redeeming aspect of the book was the discussion regarding Japanese spiritualism and the idea that so many people go out of their way to explain and fix problems when they need to pause and reflect internally instead.
I checked out a stack of these from the library and found my interest waning as I read. This was the last of the stack and I gave the series until this book to turn itself around. Let's just say it didn't turn around. Quite the opposite the death spiral became a flaming nose dive of doom. No more in this series for me.
It's also one of the biggest reasons I can come up with to explain why this book was so pathetic. I wanted to like it because I love the Japanese and its culture, but the villain was annoying (and somewhat predictable), the co-star seemed to become the star, the star was completely out of her element/profession (she's an archaeologist, not a treasure hunter), and the known character of Garin was completely different in character.
The only redeeming aspect of the book was the discussion regarding Japanese spiritualism and the idea that so many people go out of their way to explain and fix problems when they need to pause and reflect internally instead.
I checked out a stack of these from the library and found my interest waning as I read. This was the last of the stack and I gave the series until this book to turn itself around. Let's just say it didn't turn around. Quite the opposite the death spiral became a flaming nose dive of doom. No more in this series for me.
July 7, 2021
I realize that every book in this lengthy series is written by a different author. This author apparently has done his own thing. Annja, the protagonist, apparently took a back seat to some ninja guy named Ken (at least for the first 3/4 of the book) and Annja was relegated to a second-guessing sex hungry side kick. Yeah. You can certainly tell the author of this one didn't get the memo on Annja's style and thinking patterns, but less mannerisms and usually more decisive thinking process.
Not the Annja of the prior books.
Plot? Meh. It was ok. But they did visit Chiba, although, it isn't the Chiba of Cyberpunk/William Gibson fame.
Reasons for the characters actions? Sometimes.
At least the baddies had somewhat of a backstory this time.
MVP? Taka. He seemed the most interesting.
Garin is continues to be a dullard.
Not the Annja of the prior books.
Plot? Meh. It was ok. But they did visit Chiba, although, it isn't the Chiba of Cyberpunk/William Gibson fame.
Reasons for the characters actions? Sometimes.
At least the baddies had somewhat of a backstory this time.
MVP? Taka. He seemed the most interesting.
Garin is continues to be a dullard.
March 1, 2008
This book is about this archaeologist, Annja, who was supposed to be in vacation in Japan. She doesnt know that shes been followed, by this guy who wants her help, Kennichi Ogawa. He actually needs help to find something very important to him, but he has some secrets, as does Annja. Well as the story goes on she kind of notices him as a guy and he notices her too. Anyway this THING that he wants is also wanted by this other guy and he will do anything to get it. lets see, what else can i say... well you just got to read it if you like action/ adventure books. and see what happens between all these people, oh and also you probably won't like the book if you dont like anime that much, but just give it a chance.
August 18, 2012
Was this written by the same author?! Annja was a strong, take-action, capable, and competent character in other plots. In this book, she relies entirely too heavily on Ken and defers to him time and time again, and needs him to either protect her or show her how to jump from a fire escape?! What's with the personality change?! The historical basis at the beginning was weaker than usual as well. The action and twist at the climax was normal greatness, but the rest was an odd plot out for the author. If this were the first book of the 53 or so book series, I wouldn't read them anymore. Thankfully I've read over a dozen before hitting this one...
December 24, 2009
Another one of the better ones. I like when she's able to get it on. I feel for her sometimes, so good for her! ;o)
This one was a little more dramatic than some of the other ones, which is hard to imagine, but the bad guy and his girlfriend were a pip. I guess they have to make things pretty obvious when it's not all narrated. But I'm just glad Ken didn't get killed. And Garin needs to get over himself.
This one was a little more dramatic than some of the other ones, which is hard to imagine, but the bad guy and his girlfriend were a pip. I guess they have to make things pretty obvious when it's not all narrated. But I'm just glad Ken didn't get killed. And Garin needs to get over himself.
October 19, 2010
Looks like Annja is starting a stable...Could have wished for a bit more suspense as far as Ken's character goes...a bit more romance with him as well. Still an interesting read with a touch of Japanese history, a glimmer of its culture, and a peek at an ancient order of monks.
April 6, 2011
I liked this book but I am still frustrated because Annja was using the sword a lot in the first 5 or 6 books but since then she hardly uses it. I'm reading book 11 now and so far she has used the sword 3 times and I've barely made a dent in the book so maybe things are getting better.
June 4, 2012
Now Annja is in Japan finding ancient family heirloom.
In this book Annja is more a punching bag than puncher as she is been previous books, but lucky for her there is super ninja and bunch of warrior monk helping her.
Villian is this time evil samurai.
In this book Annja is more a punching bag than puncher as she is been previous books, but lucky for her there is super ninja and bunch of warrior monk helping her.
Villian is this time evil samurai.
January 15, 2016
This book was completely different than the other books in the series, Annja felt like a different person and not at all someone I like or would want to read another book starring her. I'm hoping the next book in the series stays more true to character.
Read
May 18, 2014I am thoroughly enjoying this whole series. A few of them get off to a slow start but once the action hits you can't put it down. Had a little trouble keeping track of all the bad guys in this one. There were quite a few. But I enjoyed it all the same
May 18, 2014
This was distinctly less interesting than the others I've read (from the first 8 books); the character of Ken was particularly flat and one-dimensional. I don't generally ascribe to the idea of Mary Sue characters, but if there are male equivalents, Ken is it.
Not recommended.
Not recommended.
June 23, 2015
I really liked this book. Bit of action, bit of romance, and a whole lot of mystical. I also really enjoy reading from the point of view of people who aren't "in the know" so to speak.
Like all the rest of the books in this series, it's mind crack.
Like all the rest of the books in this series, it's mind crack.
August 19, 2017
Not as good as some of the others I've read... Almost felt like a filler book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews